Description
This creamy chicken and spinach rotini bake is a delicious and hearty dish, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 spray cooking spray
- 2 cups chicken tenderloins (or chicken breasts)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (divided)
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2–1/2 cups uncooked rotini pasta (8 ounces)
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1–1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1–1/2 cups chicken stock (or broth)
- 2 cups warm milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil
- 2 cups coarsely chopped baby spinach
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- Microwave milk for 45 seconds, then microwave chicken stock for 30 seconds. Grate mozzarella cheese and set aside to get to room temperature.
- Pat chicken tenders dry with a paper towel, then dice into 1/2-inch pieces. Toss with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the following ingredients in this order to the greased pan: uncooked pasta, flour (sprinkle evenly on top), remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste, minced garlic, chicken stock, milk, and butter (cut into 2 pieces). Stir well.
- Add the seasoned chicken in an even layer on top. Cover pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and stir ingredients together well. Add mozzarella and stir through again. Press pasta and chicken below the sauce.
- Return the pan to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15 minutes or until pasta is tender. Remove from oven and gently stir.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped spinach, and a handful of Parmesan. Gently stir to combine and wilt the spinach. Continue to mix, gradually adding the rest of the Parmesan while stirring.
- Enjoy immediately garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Cooking spray helps prevent sticking.
- Use fresh chicken breasts for a juicier texture.
- Warm milk helps to blend better with other ingredients.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil add extra flavor; adjust quantity based on preference.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for added freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg